Cape Town City were knocked out of the Caf Confederations Cup on away goals by Costa Do Sol after their 2-1 loss at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

The 2-1 loss saw the sides draw 2-2 on aggregate and the Mozambican side through on the away goals rule. Benni McCarthy’s men came into the second leg with a 1-0 aggregate advantage after victory over the Mozambican club in Maputo courtesy of a Sibusiso Masina goal.

The away side got off to the perfect start when they opened the scoring with three minutes on the clock. Costa Do Sol were awarded a penalty kick which was smashed against the crossbar. Terrence Tisdell, however, followed up on his spot kick and finished with ease. Leonardo Costa’s side got 1-0 up and the tie was level at 1-1.

City hit back quickly levelling the scores and restoring their aggregate lead on fifteen minutes. Good work from Thabo Nodada set up Zukile Kewuti who made no mistake with his finish, 1-1.

The game was turning into a scrappy affair with tackles flying around and the players’ frustrations were beginning to boil over. Neither side could find a way to take the lead, 1-1 at half-time.

Things didn’t get much better in the second half as both teams failed to build any momentum or rhythm in their play.

Both teams turned to the bench, making a number of substitutions to try and change the game.

The game looked to be heading to a draw but then it was the Mozambican club who grabbed the vital goal. The away side were awarded a corner on 82 minutes which Laquene Renha headed in. The goal put the victors ahead on the day and level on aggregate score; it also, however, put them ahead on the away goals rule.

Try as they might, City could not find the equaliser, the 2-1 loss ending their Caf Confederations Cup journey.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix